E. Coli Scare Prompts Winn-Dixie Ground Beef Recall

This post was reported and written by Patch Associate Regional Editor Sherri Lonon.

Tarpon Springs residents who count on the “Beef People” for their burger meat might want to check the labeling on any recent purchases.

Winn-Dixie has announced a voluntary recall of its Fresh 93% Lean Ground Beef due to possible E. coli contamination. The voluntary recall, launched Aug. 1, comes on the heels of a larger recall put into motion by the National Beef Packing Company.

Some strains of E. coli can cause serious illness and may be life-threatening, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control website.

“E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure,” a media release from Winn-Dixie said. “The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.”

Is Your Ground Beef Included in the Recall?

Winn-Dixie says customers who have purchased “Fresh 93% Lean Ground Beef” with “all” sell-by dates should look for the following UPC codes:

• 20167100000
• 24370700000

The codes can be found on the label on the top of the package. The potentially contaminated meat was shipped to Winn-Dixie stores after July 18.

Getting Your Money Back

What should you do if your ground beef happens to have one of those two UPC codes printed on its label?

Winn-Dixie is offering customers who purchased meat included in the recall full refunds.

“We encourage customers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled item and to immediately discard the product or bring it back to their store,” said Brian Wright, the company’s spokesman. “Customers who purchased the product may visit their neighborhood Winn-Dixie to request a full refund, no questions asked.”

Have questions?

Just call 866-946-6349 to speak with the folks at Winn-Dixie’s customer call center.

Winn-Dixie in Tarpon Springs is located at 955 South Pinellas in Tarpon Springs.